Insights from Buddha

On my trip to Nepal in late 2025, one of the most memorable days was a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO site outside of Kathmandu. This stupa (religious monument) dedicated to Buddha is one of the largest in Nepal. It is adorned with prayer wheels that can be turned as you walk around the stupa in clockwise direction after making a wish. One is to contemplate the wish as you walk peacefully around the stupa.

The area is surrounded by lovely artisan shops with locally made drawing, tapestries, jewelry, and other interesting items. The street is filled with both tourists and  local Nepalese, as well as Buddhist monks. I was especially intrigued with the tapestries depicting stories of enlightenment. There are local schools that teach this craft! 

Many restaurants offer rooftop dining so one may observe the stupa. We secured such a table with an unobstructed view, and I decided there was no better place to have a soul connection with the Buddha. The following is a transcription of our visit.

Janie J: Buddha, what is the most important thing for us to learn?

Buddha: First, thank you for coming to Nepal and for visiting my stupa! I’m so proud of my countrymen for constructing it for me (in my memory) for it means they did not forget me!

Now to your questions. There are three answers to what you should learn.

1. You are enough as a divine being.
2. Your struggles are meant to teach you.
3. Lastly, one can achieve Nirvana while living an Earthly life if you follow my higher teachings which involve loving others unconditionally and understanding that suffering is man-inflicted. All one has to do is to be grateful for where he or she is on their journey.

Enjoy the rest of your visit. Namaste,

The Buddha, The Enlightened One who wishes all to be enlightened